Hong Kong is known for its fast growth and busy city scene, making it one of China’s most advanced cities. But beyond the impressive skyscrapers and busy streets, many residents face a tough reality, especially when it comes to finding affordable housing.
Cramped quarters: Life in Hong Kong budget apartments
In recent years, the disparity between wealth and poverty in Hong Kong has reached alarming levels. Despite being home to some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, a significant portion of its population struggles to afford basic necessities, let alone secure decent housing.
This reality is perhaps most acutely felt in the realm of housing, where exorbitant prices and cramped living spaces are the norm.
One Malaysian citizen, sharing his firsthand experience, sheds light on the harsh realities of living in a budget apartment in Hong Kong.
Through a video shared on social media by Torres, a content creator based in Hong Kong, the editor known as Zuwei from Malaysia embarked on an eye-opening journey to experience life in the city’s humble abodes.
79 sq ft apartment costs near RM2k monthly
The video shows clearly the tough times people living in cheap apartments in Hong Kong go through. When Zuwei first steps into a small 79-square-foot apartment, which costs RM1,910.80 a month, it really hits home how different housing standards are in Hong Kong compared to Malaysia. In a city where space comes at a premium, even the most basic amenities are luxuries that many can scarcely afford.
With over 200,000 residents living in similar cramped quarters, the struggles of daily life in Hong Kong’s budget apartments are all too real. Zuwei’s observations highlight the sheer ingenuity and resilience required to adapt to such living conditions.
Making space where there isn’t any
From creatively maximising storage space to adapting to the narrow confines of a small toilet, It’s all about being practical and making the most of what you have.
Even though living in tight spaces with high rents is tough, there are moments of strength and flexibility. Zuwei talks about how ventilation and having a small bed make things a bit better in his temporary home.
But he also sees the downside of living in such small spaces, understanding how it can affect your well-being in the long run.
The contrast between budget apartments and their upscale counterparts is starkly evident. Torres’ video provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of those residing in Hong Kong’s most exclusive residences, where spacious living quarters and luxurious amenities abound.
But it also highlights the big gap between rich and poor, showing how some people have everything while others struggle to get by.
Watch the full clip here:
